Best Audiophile DACS from Cheap to Expensive 2024

High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!

Test Track Playlist:
Satanic Panic Playlist:
Leg Warmers Playlist

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Recommended Streamer

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)

Around $200

Around $400

Around $500

Around $600

Recommended Amp List

Under $100

Around $130

Around $250

Around $400

Recommended DACs

Subs

[BS-cnny]

I am so happy with constant DAC reviews by all the reviewers on YouTube. Every week that is all you guys talk about (which I just need, in my search for a DAC.

[JTB--]

If you are afraid of the SMSL/Topping stuff... Geshelli and Schiit offer the Best Bang for the Buck Products imo

[WireHedd]

Nice list Randy, thanks. It was your advice that convinced me to get the SU-1 and since that first one I've bought a few more for my sons and even my 80yr old dad. Appreciate the work you do, sir.

[JonWeeks-ud]

Nice one, Randy. Some great DACs there. I've tried a few but the most open, detailed and non-fatiguing of the ones I've tried is the humble little SMSL SU-1. If you don't need volume control, filters, balanced outputs, built-in EQ or bluetooth in your DAC, I honestly think this unit is all you need for superb sound quality. Power your SU-1 and a WiiM mini using the two 5v 1A USB outputs from a Topping P50 linear power supply and you've got yourself a fantastic-sounding hi-res streamer for less than 300 British pounds.

[Bullitt]

Thanks for another great video, Randy! On your recommendation, I added an SMSL SU-1 as a external DAC to the streamer used as part of my home stereo. I noticed an immediate improvement over the DAC built into the streamer. Even my wife was able to detect the improvement. I later upgraded to the Schiit Modi 3E, and then to the Schiit Modi Multibit 2. These were marginal improvements, but still noticeable. As I upgraded my DAC, I passed on the SMSL SU-1 and the Schiit Modi 3E to me children for them to enjoy streaming even more.
Keep up the greta work. Your channel is the first I turn to for HIFI reviews!

[jp]

Got an smsl su-1 for my wiim mini and a denon dvd player. Excellent clarity and nice instrument separation. Get one just for fun.

[alexlopez-ui]

Great video Randy. Good info especially at the end.

[rickbrookes]

I’m very curious as to how the FiiO K-11 R2R DAC holds up against the other DACs in this video. I’m intrigued by a >$200 Ladder DAC compared with other DACs in this price range.

[CJDilag]

Bought a Denafrips 12th-1 yesterday from a local audio shop. Definitely a major upgrade from my SMSL SU-9n, JDS Labs Atom 2 DAC, Topping E50, and iFi Micro iDSD Signature. A DAC that will last for several years.

[ecbrown]

So i very much enjoy your channel. Your reviews are refreshing with a slant of humor. Reviewing products and endorsement is great for everyone. Its just one thing. You are assuming all your viewers actually know where or how to connect a dac to a system. I love av. Movies are comfort food. A brief discussion how to build an av system using dacs or amps

[carminedesanto]

I’ve given up the DAC chase …I’ve settled on the Denafrips Ares 12-1 ..and I don’t think I’ll be in the market further some time to come .
Great video 👍

[MattG-vs]

I have the Fiio K7. It has headphone amp, line out, and pre out. I mostly use it for my ATH-M50X headphones. I'm liking it so far.

[whome]

I was not that crazy about the Geshelli Labs Ak4493 J2. Not much bass. Love the Dayzee. Just as you say, big airy presentation, sounds great, great bass. Love that all outputs are active simultaneously. Only need to switch input.

[richfromtang]

Thanks! I share this video all the time. Great information.

[harrygerla]

I have a Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp. What kind of DAC would I need to get a noticeably better sound (for CDs played by a Yamaha CD player) than using the internal DAC in the A-S301? Thanks in advance.

[rockroll]

I like my Denafrips Enyo 15th but customer service for repairs has been horrible. One of my outputs is not working and looks like I will be responsible for repairs even though it's under warranty. I would buy Geshelli if I could return this.

[whocares]

There is the Schitt Yggy GS+ at real nice price too. That vs. A Dayzee vs. A kitsune Cyan2... lots of choices

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you as always, my friend, for your information and perspectives. DAC, overload right now, but I do have a FiiO K11 R2R arriving soon, to see if I need to change anything. My Loxjie D40Pro, is performing very well and also as a headphone amp, but the FiiO may become my 'gaming' DAC. Take care and all the best.

[bigdanify]

My experience.... had schiit modi and modius, was alright until modius stopped working... bought smsl su1 as a temp dac but was completely surprised by not only the clarity and detail, but packed more dynamic punch with kick drums and such than the Schiit products.... Recently got the Geshelli with Sparkos.... and wow, complete drastic improvements in every way... especially with my svs subwoofers, really low sub 40hrz was muddy with SMSL su1, but the Geshelli with Sparkos can tell different notes in this range, am completely amazed at the drastic improvements of the Geshelli J2 that I believe it is end game for me....

[mrpmj]

For excellent music, add a lossless source like Apple Music lossless, linear power supply for Eversolo, external DDC Denafrips Iris 12th, external DAC Denafrips Pontus II 12th-1, IsoAcoustics pucks, Cardas Parsec cables, iFi Supanova power cable.

To step up from above, add great amps (NAD C298, Parasound 2125v2), preamp, matching LCR speakers (e.g., GoldenEar BRX), and you're done.